24 Aug Book Review of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You): A How-to Guide fr…
Review of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You): A How-to Guide from the McElroy Brothers
As a longtime listener of the McElroy brothers’ hilariously chaotic podcast, My Brother, My Brother and Me, I was eager to dive into Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You). Could I unlock the secrets behind their whimsical banter and incredible knack for podcasting? With their distinct personalities and goofy humor, I had high hopes that this book would be both enlightening and entertaining.
The essence of the book revolves around demystifying the podcasting process, with practical advice and insights gleaned from the McElroys’ own experiences. But, this short read turned out to be a bit more complicated than I anticipated. The approach is conversational, almost as if they’re speaking directly to you, which made it easy to hear their voices in my head. However, that same casual style occasionally felt disjointed and hard to follow. It’s no secret that the brothers excel in audio form, but translating that energy to text sometimes felt like catching a wave that just slips out of your grasp.
One element I found puzzling was the frequent sidebar commentary—a mix of one-liners, insults, and snark from the other brothers. While their cheeky camaraderie could bring a chuckle, it often disrupted the flow, leaving me feeling like I was reading a manuscript that was still in its draft phase. I appreciate the humor, but it broke the cohesion I was hoping for in a guide about podcasting. The back-and-forth chafed against the main voice and at times felt more forced than funny.
The hyperactive, meta-commentary style is certainly on-brand for the McElroys, with moments like being instructed to close your eyes—a reminder that it’s a written medium! It’s these quirks that make listening to their podcasts enjoyable, but as a reader, I found myself wishing for a little more restraint. The frequent profanity and slang felt out of place in a non-fiction setting, at times overshadowing the advice being offered.
That said, I can’t dismiss the wealth of knowledge shared within the pages. The tips on hosting and publishing contain valuable nuggets, especially for aspiring podcasters. Yet, there were moments when the brothers downplayed their expertise, ironically contrasting their earlier advice to respect audiences’ time. Some sections felt underdeveloped, giving a sense that perhaps this book needed a little more polish before landing on shelves.
Ultimately, if you’re a McElroy die-hard or a curious soul seeking a playful peek behind the podcasting curtain, there’s enjoyment to be had. You’ll resonate with the authors’ whimsical style and glean some valuable insights. However, if you’re looking for a deeper dive into the podcasting landscape—or you’ve never chuckled at a McElroy joke—you might find this book lacking.
For me, while I chuckled along the way, it felt like a book that could’ve shone brighter with a little more depth and structure. In the end, Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) does deliver some actionable advice but leaves a lingering wish for a more polished experience. If you’re a fan, it’s likely worth the read; if not, you might want to keep searching for your podcasting roadmap elsewhere.
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